He has recruited nature to aid in achieving his aims

We were driving west across the state line from Missouri into Kansas, which involves crossing the Missouri River and driving alongside it for a couple miles.

Aidan: The river is hungry. The river wants lunch.
Me: Personifying nature
at his age, that's impressive.
Lindsay: I think he's making a point. Aidan,
are you hungry?
Aidan: Yes. I am 'tarving.